If you are endowed with the ability to hear the beat and rhythm of music then you are capable of enjoying one of the most exciting experiences of human movement – dancing. Dance is just as ancient as the human race and has been an integral part of our rituals, social events, and spiritual gatherings. Dance remains one of the most expressive ways that we communicate with one another.

I love dance. In my youth, I won a few freestyle dance contests and a talent show. As a teenager, I recall dancing every single day after my chores were done. I could dance alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends. At the high school dances my partner and I were always one of the first couples on the floor. When the music started I could not keep still as there was such freedom in “moving” to the music. As a young woman, the ability to dance was a prerequisite for all date candidates and the prelude to some very sensual moments.

Then, life happened. I met someone I really cared about but he did not express himself with dance. I stopped dancing. In fact, dancing became a very distant memory for many years as I navigated through motherhood and career. It slipped away so silently that I did not notice it was gone because of the busy-ness of my life.

Then, I entered into the empty nest phase. I met someone who brought dance back into my life. I had all the time to become reacquainted with the freedom and sensuality of it again. As that old saying goes – it IS better the second time around.

Just to name a few memorable dancing experiences – I have danced the Salsa (Mambo & Merengue) in Miami, Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, Aruba, and Acapulco. I have danced the traditional dance of Welcome with the Tlingit Natives in their Beaver Clan House in Ketchikan, Alaska. I have attempted to hula dance at the Luau Kapolei and the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu; and standing near a waterfall on the road to Hana in Maui. I still have the Tango to accomplish in Buenos Aires before I can call it quits.

Dancing is happiness. One of my recurring fond moments is when I am traveling with my sister. At some point during our time together she will stand in front of a mirror in our hotel room or cruise cabin and dance to the music in her head. This is when I know she is at her happiest moment. I always laugh and join her.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we rush around on the highways and byways never taking a moment to notice the surroundings on the roads we travel. Sometimes taking a leisurely drive or walk on a beautiful road or trail can be relaxing and a wonderful experience. It can be a local place in your area or a new place in a vacation spot but when you travel these roads/trails/paths with family, friends or that special loved one, the experience becomes memorable.

Here are just 11 of the amazing roads/trails/paths I have traveled in my life that I can quickly recall. Each one was traveled with family, friends and/or that special loved one and was filled with laughter and joy.

Drove Hwy290 from Houston, Texas to Brenham, Texas in April to see the Bluebonnets and tour the Blue Bell Creamery.

Drove on Seawall Boulevard on Galveston Island in Galveston, Texas

Drove across the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge in a convertible mustang on a sunny day.

Drove the road to Hana in Maui of the Hawaiian Islands

Hiked to the top of the Diamond Head Summit Trail in Oahu of the Hawaiian Islands.